Improving psychological functions in parents and children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Versus Active Controls in Improving Psychological Functions of Parents and Children With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether a therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help improve the mental well-being of parents and children dealing with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to educational lectures about the condition.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 336 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05919459 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) compared to active controls in enhancing the psychological well-being of parents and children affected by adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A total of 168 parent-child dyads will be recruited from the scoliosis clinic at the Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital and randomized into two groups: one receiving ACT and the other receiving educational lectures about AIS. The ACT group will participate in five weekly online sessions aimed at improving psychological flexibility and reducing anxiety and depression. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 5, 12, and 24 weeks to evaluate the outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include parents aged 25-60 who care for a child aged 10-17 diagnosed with AIS and exhibit mild anxiety or depressive symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of AIS or whose children are not awaiting surgery may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and parenting skills of parents, leading to better emotional outcomes for their children with AIS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that ACT can effectively improve psychological outcomes in parents of children with chronic conditions, suggesting a promising approach for this population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria of 168 parent-child dyads: 1. the parent/guardian (henceforth "parents") aged between 25 and 60 years who is mainly responsible for taking care of a child with AIS (including the scoliosis clinic follow-ups) 2. the parent/guardian demonstrate at least mild anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder Scale scores \> 5) or mild depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire scores \> 5). 3. the parent/guardian live with the index child aged between 10 and 17 years. 4. the children have an orthopedist's diagnosis of AIS (Cobb angles of the major curve \> 10º). 5. the children are managed conservatively or waiting for surgery scheduled more than six months later. 6. both parents and children should reside in Hong Kong for at least another six months. 7. both parents and children should be able to read/understand Chinese, 8. both parents and children can be reachable via phone/email, and can access the Internet on their own computers, tablets, or smartphones. Exclusion Criteria: 1. parents and/or children with psychological disorders or behavioral problems (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) that require regular psychological/psychiatric interventions; 2. children having undergone surgeries unrelated to AIS; or children with other types of scoliosis, or congenital diseases.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arnold Wong, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Arnold Wong, PhD
- Email: arnold.wong@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 27666741
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.